Farm Leaders Push MPs to Address Farmer Demands in Parliament

SKM leaders met Parliament members to urge them to address farmer demands, including Minimum Support Price based on 'C2 plus 50 per cent formula' for crop procurement and farm loan waivers. SKM, known for the 2020-21 farmers' stir, plans to restart its agitation and has scheduled various protests.

Leaders of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) convened with several members of Parliament on Wednesday, pressing them to advocate for farmer demands in Parliament. Key demands include the implementation of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) based on the 'C2 plus 50 per cent formula' for all crops and a farm loan waiver.

The SKM, which led the significant farmers' protest at Delhi borders in 2020-21 against three central agricultural laws, announced last week its plans to resume agitation, suspended since December 2021. Wednesday's lobbying effort marked the first in a series of planned protests.

Various SKM delegations met about 20 MPs, including BJP's Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and others, as well as MPs from Congress, the Samajwadi Party, AAP, DMK, and independent representatives. Discussions focused on securing a legally guaranteed MSP and opposition to the privatisation of the power sector. The SKM also seeks compensation for families of deceased farmers, withdrawal of agitation-related cases, and a farm loan waiver. On August 9, SKM will hold 'Corporates Quit India Day' demonstrations nationwide, demanding India's exit from the WTO and exclusion of multinational corporations from agriculture.

(With inputs from agencies.)